Michigan

Double Exposure

Two West Michigan playhouses pull a full monty with a musical based on the 1997 British film.

suppliedHats Off: Eric Parker, second from left, once again headlines barn theatre's production of "The Full Monty."

A double dose of dirty dancing will be available to theatergoers this summer when two productions of the comedic musical The Full Monty bare all with Barn Theatre currently running its production through July 12 and the Mason Street Warehouse's production running through July 19. Regardless of location, both casts hope to strip the popular tale about desperate males stripping for cash down to a story of self-image and redemption.

Having featured the production in 2005, Barn Theatre Co-owner Penelope Ragotzy said the show's previous success necessitated a second treatment four years later. Even better, she said, most of the original cast is returning both older and wiser.

"We had a fantastic cast for this show in 2005, and we were really lucky as it became a hit," Ragotzy said. "It is a true underdog story, one that has so much heart."

suppliedSuch a Character: Billy Konsoer stars in mason street warehouse's "The Full Monty" production

Headlining the cast in the role of ne'er-do-well Jerry Lukowski is Eric Parker, who said he was once again enticed into the role given the similarities between Jerry's life and his own.

"A lot of this play hits true to my life as I am in a business that is not very consistent," Parker said. "I am not the most comfortable guy on stage and that works out well as it fits my character's personal situation."

Though Barn Theatre has the experience, Mason Street Warehouse has the blank slate. Mason Street Director and Choreographer Kurt Stamm said although the show is a fresh pick for his theater, it should feel even newer given the play's contemporary feel.

"Without doubt The Full Monty is one of my favorite theater pieces during the last ten years," Stamm said. "One of the reasons I wanted to do this show right now is the fact it is a reflection of the current economic situation, and it could not be more poignant in that context."

This is not to say these are the only differences between the two shows, however. Much like Parker, Mason Street lead actor Billy Konsoer feels a personal resonance between the character of Jerry and himself.

"So much of Jerry mirrors my own life," Konsoer said. "I am very excited to discover his nuances as there is so much going on inside this character."

For his part, Stamm said the play offers up realistic laughs about everyday life. He said the play is a musical for the average Joe, escapism that hits close to home.

"This is a way to go and forget about life's troubles," Stamm said. "It tells us that in the hardest of times we can get by with a little bit of ingenuity."

"Every time you turn around, there is one friend helping another friend in need during this play," Ragotzy added. "It is very uplifting and the audience will get a real kick out of this show."